Becky Lower | How I Write a Novel

There are as many different ways to craft a book as there are writers. For me, the
first draft is the easy part. I usually do a beat sheet followed by a synopsis
first, to make sure I have enough of a story for a full-length book. Then, I do a
flash first draft, usually about 40,000 words, just to get the story down.

The hard part begins when the first draft is finished. I recently took an on-line
workshop that uses magic markers and color-coding for the various parts of the
story. It sounds simplistic, I know, but it really helps me. I color-code each
scene and then look at the colors. If I don’t have enough pink, or green, I add
words.

After I do the color-coding, I read through each scene with my checklist in hand.
Do I have enough of the senses in each scene? Can the reader smell the food I’m
describing? Can they feel the breeze on their cheeks? Is there enough conflict? Do
I have a hook ending? If not, I punch it up, adding more words. I have a list of
the seven words I tend to overuse, so I check to see how many of those can be
eliminated.

I do a read-through of the whole book, scene by scene, after that, and find I can
usually add a scene or two where the change from one scene to another is too
abrupt. Usually by this point, I’m up to 55,000 words or so. I call it layering.

Only after all the above steps are done do I dump the manuscript from Scrivener
into a Word program. I format it into chapters then, read through it one more time,
adding more description, more color, more of the senses, more layering.

When I think I’m done with the manuscript, I put it away for a few days. Then, I go
back and re-read it again, from the start, trying to keep my fingers off the
keyboard. I’ve never had a clean read-through yet, but that’s the goal. If I find
myself making a lot of changes and additions, I have to go back and read it from
start to finish again. This process lasts as long as it takes. When I get the
tweaking down to only a handful in the entire work, I’ll put it away again. One
final read-through and I’m ready to send it off. My books usually end up between
65,000 and 70,000 words.

By the time I send it off, I’ve read through it at least seven or eight times.
Then, the editors get their hands on it and I have to make changes and read through
it again. And again. And again, before it’s deemed ready to go.

GIVEAWAY

What are the steps you use in your own creative outlets? Leave a comment below and be entered for a chance to win a digital copy of A WIDOW'S SALVATION.

About Becky Lower

Becky Lower has traveled the country looking for great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it present day coastal Maine or on a covered wagon headed west in the 1850s. Contemporary and historical romances are her specialty.

Becky is a PAN member of the Romance Writers of America, a member of the Northeast
Ohio chapter of RWA and the Hearts Through History and Contemporary RWA on-line
chapters. She has a degree in English and Journalism from Bowling Green State
University, and lives in an eclectic college town in Ohio with her puppy-mill
rescue dog, Mary. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com

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About A WIDOW'S SALVATION

In 1862 America, the Civil War has raged for twelve months. Pepper Fitzpatrick Brown's heart was broken when her husband died with the first volley at Manassas. Now she's a widow raising three young boys and plans to honor his sacrifice by volunteering at the army hospital.

When Colonel Elijah Williams can grab a few minutes to nap between his duties as
head surgeon at MacDougall Army Hospital in the Bronx, his sleep is invaded with
nightmares of the atrocities he's seen. His life has narrowed to nothing but the
bloody war . . . until he meets Pepper Brown. But her father is concerned Elijah
doesn't have the best intentions, and Pepper is fearful of loving and losing again.

It's hard to find happiness in a war-torn United States, but these two stand a
fighting chance - if they can save what's left of their hearts.

Sensuality Level: Sensual

Comments

14 comments posted.

Re: Becky Lower | How I Write a Novel

Jot ideas when it comes to mind.
(Marissa Yip-Young 5:34am September 9, 2015)

Thanks for all the proof-reading. I am often appalled by the spelling and
grammatical errors that I see in so many e-books. It distracts and detracts
from the story-line.
(Linda Smith 8:29am September 9, 2015)

I try to think things out, have a concept, sketch out the
concept and, if necessary, change things that don't work and
find things that will.
(Edward Washington 10:01am September 9, 2015)

Becky, I love your concept of layering. Your books have depth that is often lacking in others I've read, and your dedication to your craft is the reason for it. As a pantser, I tend to sit down and let my muse lead me, but in my recent revision process, I have Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet right beside me.
(Elizabeth Meyette 10:55am September 9, 2015)

Hi, Becky, No wonder you are so accomplished, with the structure you
follow. I wish I was so disciplined, maybe that's why I take so long to write. I
don't write from start to finish, I go back and fix along the way. I'll have to try
to go straight through on my next one. Great and informative post.
(Barbara Heintz 12:22pm September 10, 2015)

I would love to read and win
(Kathy Church 2:42pm September 10, 2015)

When I write my Christmas letter, I reread it then I let my hubby
read it. I have a tendancy to mix old english spelling with modern
american spelling.
(Nancy Luebke 3:27pm September 10, 2015)

For some reasons, list seem to be my thing. They help me
organize my ideas and make my thoughts seem more coherent.
After I feel that the list is good enough, I start writing
and if needed, making changes as I go along. Your method
seems extremely effective too. I might try it some time :)
(H J 7:43pm September 10, 2015)

I am not a very creative person so no steps to take. But I love reading others creative works. Thanks so much for the chance.
(Maria Smith 12:37pm September 11, 2015)

I love to paint so I am always looking for the perfect "muse"- I especially love landscapes. I do a lot of sketching and taking photos to use- then I set up my easel under an old oak tree and paint til my hearts content
(Amanda Ray 5:40pm September 11, 2015)

I commend you for doing all of this wonderful work and like someone stated their are a lot of errors in e-books but I have also found errors in regular books as well. First of all, find out what interests you some people may like bead work while others may like crocheting, Second Meditate, Third go for a walk in nature...Best to all who entered
(Holly Loch 9:23pm September 11, 2015)

My creative outlets don't run to creative writing. I'm a "dabbler" in crafts and love hosting tea luncheons. As a hostess I find myself making lots of lists and focusing on a three-day schedule where I plan out housekeeping chores, foods that can be prepared ahead of time, etc.
(Flora Presley 9:44pm September 11, 2015)

I am not a creative person in any way shape or form!
(Denise Austin 3:49pm September 12, 2015)

I collect every do-dad possible for the activity. Wait a few years and dig them out. Binge. Pause. Put away everything, maybe where I can easily find it. Drag it out the next year and possibly finish it. My mother doesn't call me a quilter. She calls me a fabric collector. I also have watercolor paints, a very weedy vegetable garden, and paper making supplies.
(Laura Gullickson 5:46pm September 12, 2015)

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